Summer is a busy time for festivals and celebrations in Columbia County. The festival season kicks off with two Independence Day celebrations. The Fourth of July Family Festival at the Columbia County Fairgrounds features live music, food and fireworks. The Independence Day Celebration, at the Clermont State Historic Site, transports you back in time with a showcase of 18th-century music, fireworks and food.
Two popular festivals in Columbia County are held in the last half of July. The Cavorting at the Colony festival is held at the Millay Colony for the Arts. This festival features resident artists working in their various mediums, including live music and visual arts. Also on the summer calendar is the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, which celebrates the community's rich folk music heritage with a three-day event located near the beautiful Berkshire Mountains.
The Columbia County Fair is held at the fair grounds in Chatham during the last week of August through the first week of September. The fair is one of the region's most celebrated events, hosting a variety of local country and rock bands each evening in the beer garden. Other events include a talent show, midway rides, an antique tractor pull and livestock shows.
Rounding out the festival season in Columbia County are two more events. First, the CCCA ArtsWalk, hosted by the Columbia County Council on the Arts, takes place in October. The ArtsWalk features more than 120 art exhibits and demonstrations for visitors to enjoy, along with a variety of live music acts, lectures and other performances. Ending the yearly festival calendar is the Winter Walk on Warren Street, sponsored by the Hudson Opera House. The Winter Walk celebrates the holiday season in Victorian style with live carolers singing holiday songs, musical ensembles and events, dancers in period costume and nostalgic activities from the era.